RFID systems and methods for optical fiber network deployment and maintenance
An optical-fiber-network (OFN) radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for deploying and/or maintaining and/or provisioning service and/or locating faults in an OFN. The system includes a plurality of OFN components, and at least one RFID tag that includes RFID tag data that has at least one property of the OFN component associated with the RFID tag. The RFID tag data is written to and read from the RFID tags using one or more mobile RFID readers either prior to, during or after deploying the OFN components. An OFN-component-data database unit is used to store and process the RFID tag data and is automatically updated by the one or more mobile RFID readers. This allows for different maps of the OFN to be made, such as an inventory map and a maintenance map, and for the maps to be automatically updated. The OFN-RFID system allows for mobile automated operations and management of OFN components by service personnel, and provides for faster and more accurate OFN system deployment and maintenance.
Latest Corning Cable Systems LLC Patents:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/638,812 filed on Dec. 14, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,760,094, which application is incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to optical-fiber-based communication systems and networks, and particularly to systems and methods of deploying and maintaining and/or provisioning service and/or locating faults in optical fiber networks using radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems and methods.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUNDOptical Networks
The typical optical fiber network (OFN) includes one or more central offices (COs), one or more remote nodes (RNs) connected to the COs by corresponding optical fiber links, a number of network interface devices (NIDs) coupled to respective RNs by corresponding optical fiber links, and a number of termination points coupled to the NIDs by additional optical fiber links. There are a number of different types of OFNs, including long-haul networks that interconnect major metropolitan areas, regional networks that interconnect smaller cities to the long-haul backbone, metropolitan networks that interconnect central offices located within a city, enterprise networks that connect central offices to the buildings of large or small companies, and access networks that connect residential and business subscribers to central offices.
These networks have a variety of architectures, but each has common characteristics in that they comprise an interconnected set of electronic equipment, cables, hardware, and components. For example, in access networks, there are a variety of broadband network architectures, which are described in more detail for illustration purposes. One general type of broadband access OFN is called an active point-to-point architecture, which includes the Home Run Fiber (HRF) and Active Star Ethernet (ASE). Another general type of broadband access OFN is called a passive point-to-multipoint architecture, which includes the Passive Optical Network (PON). A PON has no active components between the CO and the termination location to which the service is delivered.
Because of the different termination options for a broadband access OFN, for simplicity the abbreviated expression “fiber to the x” (FTTx) has been adopted, wherein the “x” represents the particular termination point. The termination point may be, for example, a “premise,” a home, the “curb,” or a “node.” Thus, in the acronym-intensive language of OFNs, a PON architecture used to provide service to one or more homes is abbreviated as FTTH-PON. The details of the particular FTTx network architecture used depends on the termination point and the service goals of the network, as well as on network cost and the existing optical fiber related infrastructure (“outside plant” or OSP). In other OFN arrangements, some of the OFN components are located inside COs or inside other buildings and structures.
The deployment and maintenance of an OFN is an equipment-intensive and labor-intensive undertaking. A network service provider that receives the various components for the network from one or more manufacturers typically installs an OFN. The various OFN components (e.g., cabinets, terminals, enclosures, patch panel ports, optical fiber cable, optical fiber cable connectors, hardware, equipment, etc.) must be received, installed, inventoried, and maintained in an organized manner. After installation, the service provider must provide service to its customers and locate and correct any faults that occur in the network. Each of these operations (deployment, maintenance, provisioning, and fault location) requires the service operator to know and understand what OFN components are deployed in the network, as well as their location and particular capabilities.
In OFN deployment, there is the need to positively identify and characterize the OFN components. This applies to the cabling (aerial or buried) as well as to the other aforementioned OFN components. Currently, this process is carried out by visual identification, using foot markers printed on outside cable jackets, and color-coding and labeling of connectors, ports, enclosures, etc. During the initial installation as well as during operations and maintenance, significant time is spent associating the various OFN components and their characteristics to an inventory database, which is updated manually. Besides the extra time spent, there is a high risk of errors due to misidentification, database entry errors or failures to correctly update the database.
An OFN is typically deployed over a relatively large geographical area, with the optical fiber cables and other OFN components being installed either below ground or above ground. Thus, the ability to quickly locate and identify the various network components and obtain information about their installation and operating status can provide significant labor and cost savings with regard to deploying and maintaining the OFN, and can increase OFN uptime.
Radio-frequency Identification
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a remote recognition technique that utilizes RFID tags having microcircuits adapted to store information and perform basic signal processing. The stored information is retrievable via RF communication between the RFID tag and a RFID tag reader. The typical RFID system utilizes a RFID tag reader (e.g., hand-held) that when brought sufficiently close to a RFID tag is able to read a RFID tag signal emitted by the tag, usually in response to an interrogation signal from the RFID tag reader. One form of RFID tag relies on the interrogation signal from the RFID reader to provide power to the tag. Other forms of RFID tags have internal power sources.
The data encoded into a RFID tag can generally be written at a distance, and some types of RFID tags can be re-written multiple times. Each RFID application has its own unique issues and circumstances that require the RFID system to be engineered accordingly.
In view of the above-described issues associated with the deployment and maintenance of OFNs and the benefits of RFID technology, there is a need for systems and methods that integrate RFID technology with OFNs to facilitate OFN deployment and maintenance.
SUMMARYOne aspect of the invention is a RFID method of deploying and/or maintaining and/or provisioning service and/or locating faults an optical fiber network (OFN). The method includes providing at least one RFID tag on at least one OFN component of a plurality of OFN components that constitute the OFN, and writing to at least one RFID tag using at least one RFID reader, OFN component data relating to at least one property of the corresponding OFN component. The method also includes recording and storing the OFN component data in an OFN-component-data database unit. The method further includes automatically updating the OFN-component-data database by reading OFN component data from the at least one RFID tag using the one or more RFID tag readers. In an example embodiment of the method, the one or more RFID tag readers are mobile and are adapted to be taken within a read range of the at least one RFID tag affixed to the at least one OFN component.
Another aspect of the invention is a RFID system for deploying and/or maintaining and/or provisioning service and/or locating faults in an OFN. The system includes at least one RFID tag affixed to at least one OFN component of a plurality of OFN components that constitute the OFN, wherein the at least one RFID tag affixed to the at least one OFN component contains OFN component data that relates to at least one property of the OFN component. The system also includes at least one mobile RFID tag reader adapted to be taken within a read range of the at least one RFID tag affixed to the at least one OFN component and read the OFN component data from the at least one RFID tag. The system further includes an OFN component data database unit adapted to receive and store OFN component data read by the at least one RFID tag reader. The system also includes the ability to automatically update the OFN-component-data database according to the OFN component data read from the at least one RFID tag.
Another aspect of the invention is a RFID system for deploying and/or maintaining and/or provisioning service and/or locating faults in an optical fiber network (OFN) that is optically coupled to a central office (CO). The system includes at least one feeder-cable RFID tag fixed to a feeder cable that is optically coupled to the CO, with the at least one feeder-cable RFID tag having feeder-cable data relating to one or more properties of the feeder cable. The system also includes at least one local convergence point (LCP) RFID tag fixed to a local convergence point (LCP) that is operably connected to the feeder cable, with the at least one LCP RFID tag having LCP data relating to one or more properties of the LCP. The system further includes at least one distribution-cable RFID tag fixed to a distribution cable that is operably coupled to the LCP, with the at least one distribution-cable RFID tag having distribution-cable data relating to one or more properties of the distribution cable. The system also includes at least one network access point (NAP) RFID tag fixed to a NAP that is operably coupled to the LCP via the distribution cable, with the at least one NAP RFID tag having NAP data relating to one or more properties of the NAP. The system additionally includes at least one network interface device (NID) RFID tag fixed to a NID that is operably coupled to the LCP via a drop cable, with the at least one NAP RFID tag having NID data relating to one or more properties of the NID. The system further includes one or more mobile RFID tag readers adapted to be taken within a read range of the at least one RFID tag affixed to the at least one OFN component and read at least one of the feeder-cable RFID tags, the LCP RFID tags, the distribution-cable RFID tags, the NAP RFID tags, and the NID RFID tags, and provide corresponding feeder-cable data, LCP data, distribution-cable data, NAP data, and NID data. The system also includes an OFN component database unit adapted to receive and store the feeder-cable data, the LCP data, the distribution-cable data, the NAP data and the NID data. The system also preferably includes the ability to automatically update the OFN-component-database according to the OFN component data read by the one or more mobile RFID tag readers.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the following detailed description, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.
Reference is now made to present preferred embodiments, examples of which is/are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers or letters are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
The term “OFN component” as used herein is generally any component used in any type of OFN, and includes but is not limited to: a feeder cable, a distribution cable, a drop cable, a network access point (NAP), an enclosure, a splice box, a cabinet, a terminal, a patch panel, a patch cord, a fiber connector, an optical splitter, a splitter module, a coupler, an optical amplifier, a wavelength multiplexer, a wavelength demultiplexer, an optical line terminal, a filter, a light source, an optical receiver, an optical transmitter, an intrafacility cable, a local convergence point (LCP), a network interface device (NID), a fiber distribution frame (FDF), an equipment module, or any other OFN-related hardware, including fiber-related hardware.
In the discussion below, the term “data” is used in the singular and represents a collection of one or more pieces of information. The term “RFID tag data” refers to data stored in or to be stored in a RFID tag, which data contains at least one property of the corresponding OFN component associated with the RFID tag.
Also, the term “electromagnetic signals” as used to describe the signals communicated between a RFID tag and a RFID reader includes free-space radio waves as well as magnetic inductive coupling.
For the sake of convenience, the following is a list of the acronyms used in this application:
OFN=optical fiber network
CO=central office
RFID=radio-frequency identification.
PON=passive optical network.
FTTx=“fiber-to-the-x,” where “x” is the fiber cable endpoint.
LCP=local convergence point
NAP=network access point
NID=network interface device
GPS=global positioning system
OLT=optical line terminal
OSP=outside plant
GUI=graphical user interface
FDF=fiber distribution frame
dB=decibels
The OFN-RFID System
With reference to
With reference again to
OFN 10 also includes one or more distribution cables 110 operably coupled to a given LCP 100, with each distribution cable including one or more optical fibers 112. Note that feeder cable(s) 50 and distribution cable(s) 110 may be either buried or supported above ground.
With reference again to
With reference again to
RFID Tags in OFN-RFID System
With continuing reference to
Microcircuit 450 is adapted to receive an electromagnetic RFID-tag interrogation signal SI″ emitted by RFID reader via antenna 480 and to process this signal. The processing includes comparing the received interrogation signal SI″ to a corresponding bit sequence stored value in memory unit 452. In an example embodiment, microcircuit 450 is adapted to use the energy in the interrogation signal to power itself If the content of the received interrogation signal SI″ is confirmed, then microcircuit 450 is adapted to generate a RFID tag signal STn representative of the stored RFID tag data and to transmit this signal to RFID reader 400 as an electromagnetic tag signal STn″ to be read by RFID tag reader 400.
In an example embodiment, one or more of the RFID tags are adapted to generate electromagnetic RFID tag signals at a frequency that is not significantly affected by soil or water, such as in the frequency range from 100 KHz to 125 KHz. This is so that the RFID tag signal can be read even though the corresponding OFN component is buried underground or covered by water. Here, the electromagnetic RFID tag signals are based on magnetic inductive coupling. Suitable RFID tags and associated RFID tag readers are available from 3M Corporation.
Also in an example embodiment, at least some of the RFID tags are adapted to generate RFID tag signals at a frequency suitable for long-range RFID-tag reading, such at the 915 MHz band or the 2.45 GHz band. Such RFID tags are best suited for aerial or aboveground OFN components, or more generally for OFN components that are not buried or otherwise obstructed by an intervening RF-frequency-absorbing medium. Suitable RFID tags are available from Alien Technologies, Inc., as Model Nos. ALL-9440 and ALL-9350.
In an example embodiment, RFID tag reader 400 and one or more of RFID tags Tn are adapted with encryption capability so that the interrogation signal and the RFID tag signal can be encrypted to prevent third parties from reading or overwriting RFID tag data.
Example RFID Tag Reader
With continuing reference to
Signal processing circuit 482 is adapted to generate interrogation signal SI and transmit it via antenna 480 to RFID tag Tn as an electromagnetic interrogation signal SI″. Signal processing circuit 482 is also adapted to write information to RFID tag Tn based on information either stored in memory unit 484, entered into the RFID tag reader directly by a user, or communicated to it from database unit 410, as described below.
RFID tag reader 400 is also adapted to receive electromagnetic RFID tag signal STn″ via antenna 480, which converts this signal back to electrical RFID tag signal STn. Signal processing circuit 482 is further adapted to extract the RFID tag data from this signal and store this data in memory unit 484 and/or transmit this data to database unit 410.
Example Database Unit
In an example embodiment, RFID tag reader 400 is operably coupled to database unit 410 so that it can transmit information to and receive information from the database unit. In an example embodiment, database unit 410 includes a second transmit/receive antenna 494 used to wirelessly communicate with RFID tag reader 400, through a Wi-Fi network or through the cellular phone network, as examples. In another example embodiment, database unit 410 is operably coupled to RFID tag reader 400 via a non-wireless (e.g., an electrical or optical) communication link 492, such as an Ethernet link. In an example embodiment, RFID tag reader 400 is mobile (mounted on a vehicle or carried by service personnel) and is brought out to the field so as to be accessible to those working in the field to deploy or maintain or provision service or locate faults in the OFN 10.
Database unit 410 includes a microprocessor 500 operably connected thereto, a memory unit 510 operably coupled to the microprocessor, and a display 520 operably coupled to the microprocessor. In an example embodiment, database unit 410 is or otherwise includes a computer, such as a laptop computer, personal computer or workstation. In an example embodiment, database unit 410 is mobile (e.g., as a laptop computer or hand-held device) and is brought out to the field so as to be accessible to those working in the field to deploy or maintain OFN 10. Also in an example embodiment, database unit 410 supports a graphical user interface (GUI) so that a database-unit user can view graphical images and interact with interactive graphical images on display 520.
In an example embodiment, RFID tag reader 400 transmits RFID tag data to database unit 410 either non-wirelessly via a non-wireless data signal SD sent over communication link 492, or wirelessly via electromagnetic data signal SD″. Database unit 410 then stores and processes the RFID tag data, such as described below.
Also in an example embodiment, database unit 410 either wirelessly and/or non-wirelessly transmits write information in respective information signals SW and/or (electromagnetic) signal SW″ to RFID tag reader 400. The write information in signals SW or SW″ is then written by RFID tag reader 400 to one or more RFID tags Tn and stored therein as RFID tag data.
Microprocessor 500 in database unit 410 is adapted to process the RFID tag data to create useful information about the status of OFN 10 and OFN components Cn. In an example embodiment, this information is displayed on display 520. In an example embodiment, the information is represented as graphics, and further is presented by database unit 410 in the form of one or more interactive OFN-RFID maps. The OFN-RFID maps may include, for example, component inventory data, component location data, component connectivity data and/or component status data. Example interactive OFN-RFID maps for facilitating the deployment and maintenance of OFN 10 are discussed in greater detail below.
CO RFID Tags
CO 20 also includes a patch-cord RFID tag T36 attached to patch cord 36 and a intrafacility-cable RFID tag T46. These RFID tags include, for example, information relating to the manufacturer, manufacturer part number, date of installation, the number of connections, type of fiber, etc.
CO 20 also includes an FDF RFID tag T30 attached to FDF 30 and a cabinet RFID tag T40 attached to entrance cabinet 40. These RFID tags include, for example, information relating to the manufacturer, manufacturer part number, date of installation, the number of connections, location of the frame or cabinet, etc.
Feeder Cable RFID Tags
With reference again also to
Feeder cable RFID tags T50 may also include information relating to the installation of feeder cables 50, such as the planned installation destination, installation date, special instructions regarding the installation (e.g., aerial or buried cable), and the like.
LCP RFID Tags
OFN-RFID system 6 also includes a number of LCP RFID tags. In an example embodiment, a main LCP RFID tag T100 is attached to the OSP distribution cabinet 120 and contains information relating to the general properties of LCP 100, such as the cabinet location, operational status of the LCP, manufacturer information, maintenance status, the number and type of internal OFN components, etc. A splitter-module LCP RFID tag T130 is attached to splitter module 130.
In an example embodiment, RFID tag T130 includes a light 560 (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) that activates when the particular RFID tag T130 is interrogated by RFID tag reader 400. This helps identify which one of the RFID tags T130 is being interrogated and read at a given time.
Table 1 below presents an example embodiment of RFID tag data stored in the splitter-module RFID tag T130 for splitter module ID# 124290. For the sake of illustration, only the data for the first six ports P1- through P6 is shown.
Table 1 includes the shelf ID number—here, ID number 124290 chosen for illustration purposes—that identifies the splitter-module RFID tag as being located in a particular shelf of splitter module rack 554. Table 1 includes the following information for each port: The 1310 nm loss (dB), the 1550 nm loss (dB), the street name served by the port, the street address served by the port, the pole number associated with the port, the GPS coordinates of the location served by the port, and “other information” that can be added to the RFID tag as needed, such as the operating status or the maintenance status. Generally speaking, data can also be written to the RFID tag via RFID reader 400 so that the data can be updated as needed. In an example embodiment, RFID tags T130 contain default deployment data written to the RFID tag prior to the deployment of LCP 100 or the installation of splitter module 130 in the LCP.
In another example embodiment illustrated in
Table 2 includes the patch-panel ID number—here, ID number 13425, chosen for illustration purposes. Table 2 also includes the patch-panel port number P1 through P6, the loss per port (in dB), and the OSP location information. Other information, such as building name, room number, subscriber location, street address, power levels, maintenance schedules, and the like can be included in Table 2. Alternately, it is possible to have a separate RFID tag, with one for each port number P1 through P6, that contains all of the data pertinent to its associated port.
Here, it is emphasized that the prior art approach to OFN deployment and maintenance involves obtaining such information by inspection and previous written documentation, and then documenting the updated information on paper. The paper documents are then distributed to provide information about the maintenance history of OFN components Cn such as splitter module 130 and patch panel 140. With RFID tags, this paper documentation is replaced by the data written into the RFID tags, and is available instantly at the point of use and at any time it is needed.
Distribution-cable RFID Tags
With reference again to
Distribution-cable RFID tags T110 may also include information relating to the installation of distribution cables 110, such as the planned installation destination, installation date, special instructions regarding the installation (e.g., aerial or buried cable), and the like.
NAP RFID Tags
OFN-RFID system 6 also includes a number of NAP RFID tags. A main NAP RFID tag T200 is attached to the distribution cabinet 120 and contains information relating to the general properties of NAP 200, such as the cabinet location, operational status of the NAP, manufacturer information, maintenance status, the number and type of internal OFN components, etc.
The other NAP RFID tags for NAP 200 are essentially the same as those for LCP 100 since the NAP typically includes the same OFN components-namely, splitter module(s) 130 and patch panel(s) 140.
Drop-cable RFID Tags
With reference to
Drop-cable RFID tags T220 may also include information relating to the installation of drop cables 220, such as the planned installation destination, installation date, special instructions regarding the installation (e.g., aerial or buried cable), and the like.
NID RFID Tags
OFN-RFID system 6 also includes a number of NID RFID tags. A main NID RFID tag T300 is attached to cabinet 120 and contains information relating to the general properties of NID 300, such as the cabinet location, operational status of the NID, manufacturer information, maintenance status, the number and type of internal OFN components, etc.
Other NID RFID tags are provided to the corresponding NID OFN components in analogous fashion to the LCP RFID tags described above. In an example embodiment, the other NID RFID tags are essentially the same as those for LCP 100 in the case where the two have the same or similar OFN components.
RFID Mapping of the OFN
As discussed above, an example embodiment of the present invention involves using OFN RFID tags Tn to create one or more OFN-RFID maps of OFN 10 based on the RFID tag data read from the OFN RFID tags. In one example embodiment, OFN RFID tags Tn are provided with data relating to the deployment of the corresponding OFN components Cn prior to OFN 10 being deployed. In one example, the OFN RFID tag data is written to the corresponding RFID tags by the OFN component manufacturer and/or by the OFN installer (service provider). For example, for cable assemblies that are factory terminated and customized for installation in a particular location, the location information can also be written in the RFID tags. RFID tags on the cable reel or cable assembly reel can also contain information about their installation destination, as required.
The OFN RFID tag data is then read from the OFN RFID tags using RFID tag reader 400 prior to or during deployment. In an example embodiment, the service provider receives materials from the OFN component supplier and scans all tagged OFN components. This information is then added to the inventory database unit of database unit 410. At this point, the service provider may choose to replace the manufacturer identification and the identification number written to the RFID tag by the manufacturer with its own identification number, which uniquely identifies this tag within its entire inventory of assets. The original identification number and the manufacturer code can be stored in the inventory database unit so that each entity can still be traced back if necessary. This enables the full capability and capacity of the manufacturing database collection to be searched to determine the characteristics and performance of the component in more detail than can be written into the RFID tag. Such manufacturing data can be retrieved remotely, for example, via the Internet or via a cellular phone network. This information can be further updated at the time of installation, to add additional details of interest to the network operator, such as the association between ports and connectors.
The OFN RFID tag data, which is collected in memory unit 510 of database unit 410, is processed via microprocessor 500 to provide a representation of the OFN RFID tag information from the various OFN RFID tags, such as an OFN map.
In an example embodiment, the information stored in the OFN RFID tags Tn includes positional information (e.g., GPS coordinates) for the OFN components Cn. The positional information is, for example, originally provided by GPS circuit 486 and written to the OFN RFID tags Tn by RFID tag reader 400 during installation of the OFN component. Service personnel can use the RFID tag reader, either mounted on vehicles or as hand-held units, at the field location to read and write the GPS and OFN component data to the associated OFN RFID tags Tn. Writing of GPS information can be carried out, for example, by OFN service personnel working in the field while installing, maintaining or repairing the OFN. For example, the GPS information can also be added to the RFID tag data by RFID tag reader 400 during the RFID tag reading process after OFN deployment (e.g., by OFN service personnel) and sent to the database unit along with the read RFID tag data. Updating of the RFID tag data and the database data can be done manually by service personnel or automatically by the RFID tag reader 400. This allows the map to show in detail the precise locations of the OFN components, as well as the spatial relationships between OFN components in the OFN.
In a similar manner, an OFN inventory map is created that shows the location (e.g., via GPS coordinates) and the corresponding part number for each OFN component Cn in OFN 10. In an example embodiment, the OFN inventory map includes information about not only installed OFN components, but spare OFN components as well, such as availability, location, etc.
In another example embodiment, an OFN maintenance map of OFN 10 is created by writing to one or more of the OFN RFID tags Tn maintenance information for the corresponding OFN components Cn. The maintenance map includes, for example, maintenance that needs to be performed and/or maintenance that has already been performed. By updating OFN RFID tags Tn using one or more RFID tag readers 400 and transmitting the updated OFN RFID tag information from the one or more RFID tag readers to database unit 410, an updated maintenance map is established. Such an updated maintenance map can be viewed on display 520 of database unit 410 and used to plan and schedule OFN maintenance.
In an example embodiment, both inventory and maintenance maps are used in combination when performing OFN maintenance, since inventory issues often arise in connection with performing OFN maintenance.
Each of the RFID tags Tn in interactive map 750 are active icons that can be clicked on to display the corresponding RFID tag data. For example, clicking on RFID tag T130 displays Table 1 as shown and discussed above in connection with splitter module 130. Likewise, clicking on RFID tag T140 displays Table 2 as shown and discussed above in connection with patch panel 140. Interactive map 750 also includes a general LCP RFID tag T120 icon that can be clicked on to display general RFID tag data generally concerning the corresponding LCP 100.
As discussed above, in an example embodiment, database unit 410 is portable, allowing it to be taken into the field by those deploying or maintaining OFN 10. The RFID tag reader 400 is also portable, being mounted on a vehicle or hand-held, allowing it to be taken into the field by those deploying or maintaining OFN 10. This provides for real-time processing of OFN deployment and maintenance RFID tag data during the deployment or maintenance activity.
The automated tracking of OFN components afforded by the present invention reduces the risk of misidentification and errors that often accompany manual updates of an OFN component inventory database. The present invention also allows for automated updating of RFID tag data and associated OFN-component-data database entries. The present invention also provides for faster and more accurate installation, provisioning operations, fault location and maintenance of the OFN.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) method of deploying and/or maintaining an optical fiber network (OFN), comprising:
- providing a plurality of RFID tags associated with a corresponding plurality of OFN components that constitute the OFN;
- writing to two or more of the plurality of RFID tags using at least one RFID reader, OFN component data relating to at least one property of the corresponding OFN component;
- recording and storing the OFN component data in an OFN-component-data database unit; and
- automatically updating the OFN-component-data database by reading OFN component data from the two or more of the plurality of RFID tags using the at least one RFID reader,
- wherein the OFN component data is read from the two or more of the plurality of RFID tags and shows a relationship among two or more of the plurality of OFN components corresponding to the two or more of the plurality of RFID tags.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- installing the OFN components in the OFN; and
- performing said providing of at least one RFID tag prior to said installing.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the reading of the OFN component-data is performed either during or after deploying the OFN.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- including in said OFN component data a location of the corresponding OFN component either as deployed or as to be deployed in the OFN; and
- using said location data to create a spatial map of the OFN.
5. The method of claim 4, including showing the spatial map of the OFN with a geographical map having geographical features, so as to locate the OFN components relative to geographical features.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
- locating at least one select OFN component based on said spatial OFN map; and
- reading the corresponding at least one RFID tag among the plurality of RFID tags associated with the at least one select OFN component.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- including inventory data in the OFN component data; and
- using said inventory data to create an inventory map of the OFN.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the OFN includes an optical fiber cable having a length, and including:
- positioning RFID tags along the length of the optical fiber cable; and
- including as OFN component data the relative locations of the RFID tags along the optical fiber cable using global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of OFN components includes at least one patch panel, and further comprising:
- including, in at least one patch-panel RFID tag corresponding to the at least one patch panel, at least one OFN component data element from the group of OFN component data elements comprising: port identification, loss per port, and connectivity for each port.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of OFN components includes at least one splitter module, and further comprising:
- including, in at least one splitter-module RFID tag corresponding to the at least one splitter module, at least one OFN component data element from the group of OFN component data elements comprising: shelf ID, port identification, loss data at a given wavelength, terminal ID, street name, street address, pole number, and GPS coordinates.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one RFID reader is mobile, and further comprising:
- bringing the at least one mobile RFID reader within a read range of the at least one RFID tag among the plurality of RFID tags affixed to the at least one OFN component and reading the OFN component data from the at least one RFID tag.
12. The method of claim 1,
- wherein providing at least one RFID tag further comprises providing a plurality of RFID tags, each of the plurality of tags associated with one of the plurality of OFN components in the OFN;
- wherein the writing to at least one RFID tag further comprises writing the OFN component data to a plurality of RFID tags using the RFID reader, each of the plurality of RFID tags associated with a corresponding OFN component of the plurality of OFN components and
- wherein the OFN component data relates to the at least one property of the corresponding OFN component; and
- wherein the OFN component data shows a relationship among two or more of the plurality of OFN components.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- using the OFN component data to identify which of the OFN components are associated with a particular subscriber.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- including in the OFN component data GPS coordinates indicating a location of the corresponding OFN component.
15. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for deploying and/or maintaining an optical fiber network (OFN), comprising:
- a plurality of RFID tags, each of the plurality of RFID tags affixed to a corresponding one of a plurality of OFN components in the OFN, wherein two or more of the plurality of RFID tags each contain OFN component data that relates to at least one property of the corresponding OFN component to which a respective one of the two or more of the plurality of RFID tags is affixed;
- at least one mobile RFID tag reader adapted to be taken within a read range of the two or more of the plurality of RFID tags and adapted to read the OFN component data from the two or more of the plurality of RFID tags; and
- an OFN component data database unit adapted to receive and store OFN component data read by the at least one mobile RFID tag reader,
- wherein the OFN component data read from the two or more of the plurality of RFID tags shows a relationship among two or more of the plurality of OFN components corresponding to the two or more of the plurality of RFID tags.
16. The RFID system of claim 15, wherein the OFN components include one or more OFN components selected from the group of OFN components comprising: a feeder cable, a distribution cable, a drop cable, a splitter, a splitter module, a network access point (NAP), an enclosure, a cabinet, a terminal, a patch panel, a patch cord, a splice box, a fiber connector, a coupler, an optical amplifier, a wavelength multiplexer, a wavelength demultiplexer, an optical line terminal (OLT), a filter, a light source, an optical receiver, an optical transmitter, an intrafacility cable, a local convergence point (LCP), a network interface device (NID), a fiber distribution frame (FDF), and a fiber equipment module.
17. The RFID system of claim 16, wherein one of the OFN components is a splitter module, and wherein the OFN component data for the splitter module includes at least one data element selected from the group of data elements comprising: a shelf location, a port identification, a loss at a given wavelength, a terminal identification, a street name, a street address, and GPS coordinates.
18. The RFID system of claim 16, wherein one of the OFN components is a patch panel having a number of optical fiber connection ports, and wherein the OFN component data for the patch panel include one or more data elements selected from the group of data elements comprising: GPS coordinates, a shelf location, a port identification, a loss for each port, a destination for each port, and a status of each port.
19. The RFID system of claim 15, wherein:
- the database unit includes a microprocessor having graphical user interface (GUI) capability and adapted to process the OFN component data stored in the database unit; and
- a display operably coupled to the microprocessor and adapted to interactively display the OFN component data as processed by the microprocessor.
20. The RFID system of claim 15, wherein the at least one mobile RFID tag reader is adapted to read RFID tag signals from RFID tags located underground.
21. The RFID system of claim 15, wherein the at least one mobile RFID tag reader automatically updates the OFN component data database unit.
22. The system of claim 15,
- wherein one of the plurality of OFN components is a cable having a length; and
- wherein the OFN component data for the cable includes one or more data elements selected from a group of data elements comprising:
- global positioning (GPS) coordinates, a distance between successive RFID tags on the cable, the length of the cable, a type of a fiber in the cable, a number of optical fibers in the cable, a status of the cable, information relating to a last performed maintenance operation, a manufacturer of the cable, a model number of the cable, a location of the OFN component to which the cable is connected, and a type of the OFN component to which the cable is connected.
23. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for deploying and/or maintaining an optical fiber network (OFN) that is optically coupled to a central office (CO), comprising:
- at least one feeder-cable RFID tag fixed to a feeder cable that is optically coupled to the CO, with the at least one feeder-cable RFID tag having feeder-cable data relating to one or more properties of the feeder cable;
- at least one local convergence point (LCP) RFID tag fixed to a local convergence point (LCP) that is operably connected to the feeder cable, with the at least one LCP RFID tag having LCP data relating to one or more properties of the LCP;
- at least one distribution-cable RFID tag fixed to a distribution cable that is operably coupled to the LCP, with the at least one distribution-cable RFID tag having distribution-cable data relating to one or more properties of the distribution cable;
- at least one network access point (NAP) RFID tag fixed to a NAP that is operably coupled to the LCP via the distribution cable, with the at least one NAP RFID tag having NAP data relating to one or more properties of the NAP;
- at least one network interface device (NID) RFID tag fixed to a NID that is operably coupled to the LCP via a drop cable, with the at least one NID RFID tag having NID data relating to one or more properties of the NID;
- one or more mobile RFID tag readers adapted to read at least one of the at least one feeder-cable RFID tag, the at least one LCP RFID tag, the at least one distribution-cable RFID tag, the at least one NAP RFID tag, and the at least one NID RFID tag, and provide corresponding feeder-cable data, LCP data, distribution-cable data, NAP data, and NID data; and
- an OFN component database unit adapted to receive and store the feeder-cable data, the LCP data, the distribution-cable data, the NAP data and the NID data.
24. The RFID system of claim 23, wherein the at least one mobile RFID tag reader is configured to automatically update the OFN-component-data database.
3052842 | September 1962 | Frohman et al. |
3609742 | September 1971 | Burdick |
3771098 | November 1973 | Dempsey |
3931574 | January 6, 1976 | Curtis, Jr. et al. |
3942859 | March 9, 1976 | Korodi |
4019128 | April 19, 1977 | Chebowski |
4200862 | April 29, 1980 | Campbell et al. |
4365238 | December 21, 1982 | Kollin |
4418333 | November 29, 1983 | Schwarzbach et al. |
4578636 | March 25, 1986 | Bakke et al. |
4626633 | December 2, 1986 | Ruehl et al. |
4630886 | December 23, 1986 | Lauriello et al. |
4889977 | December 26, 1989 | Haydon |
4915639 | April 10, 1990 | Cohn et al. |
4924213 | May 8, 1990 | Decho et al. |
4937529 | June 26, 1990 | O'Toole, III et al. |
4968929 | November 6, 1990 | Hauck et al. |
4978317 | December 18, 1990 | Pocrass |
5081627 | January 14, 1992 | Yu |
5185570 | February 9, 1993 | Fitzpatrick |
5199093 | March 30, 1993 | Longhurst |
5222164 | June 22, 1993 | Bass, Sr. et al. |
5244409 | September 14, 1993 | Guss, III et al. |
5265187 | November 23, 1993 | Morin et al. |
5297015 | March 22, 1994 | Miyazaki et al. |
5305405 | April 19, 1994 | Emmons et al. |
5337400 | August 9, 1994 | Morin et al. |
5353367 | October 4, 1994 | Czosnowski et al. |
5394503 | February 28, 1995 | Dietz, Jr. et al. |
5418334 | May 23, 1995 | Williams |
5448675 | September 5, 1995 | Leone et al. |
5461693 | October 24, 1995 | Pimpinella |
5473715 | December 5, 1995 | Schofield et al. |
5483467 | January 9, 1996 | Krupka et al. |
5528222 | June 18, 1996 | Moskowitz et al. |
5588873 | December 31, 1996 | Hamai et al. |
5601451 | February 11, 1997 | Driones et al. |
5613873 | March 25, 1997 | Bell, Jr. |
5638818 | June 17, 1997 | Diab et al. |
5645440 | July 8, 1997 | Tobler et al. |
5660567 | August 26, 1997 | Nierlich et al. |
5666453 | September 9, 1997 | Dannenmann |
5685737 | November 11, 1997 | Morin et al. |
5692925 | December 2, 1997 | Bogese, II |
5700157 | December 23, 1997 | Chung |
5704802 | January 6, 1998 | Loudermilk |
5741152 | April 21, 1998 | Boutros |
5764043 | June 9, 1998 | Czosnowski et al. |
5782757 | July 21, 1998 | Diab et al. |
5797767 | August 25, 1998 | Schell |
5821510 | October 13, 1998 | Cohen et al. |
5842045 | November 24, 1998 | Nakamura |
5847557 | December 8, 1998 | Fincher et al. |
5854824 | December 29, 1998 | Bengal et al. |
5876239 | March 2, 1999 | Morin et al. |
5876240 | March 2, 1999 | Derstine et al. |
5885100 | March 23, 1999 | Talend et al. |
5910776 | June 8, 1999 | Black |
5914862 | June 22, 1999 | Ferguson et al. |
5915993 | June 29, 1999 | Belopolsky et al. |
5924889 | July 20, 1999 | Wang |
5934925 | August 10, 1999 | Tobler et al. |
5984731 | November 16, 1999 | Laity |
5995006 | November 30, 1999 | Walsh |
5995855 | November 30, 1999 | Kiani et al. |
5999400 | December 7, 1999 | Belopolsky et al. |
6002331 | December 14, 1999 | Laor |
6025725 | February 15, 2000 | Gershenfeld et al. |
6068627 | May 30, 2000 | Orszulak et al. |
6095851 | August 1, 2000 | Laity et al. |
6095869 | August 1, 2000 | Wang |
6100804 | August 8, 2000 | Brady et al. |
6102741 | August 15, 2000 | Boutros et al. |
6113422 | September 5, 2000 | Somerville et al. |
6116946 | September 12, 2000 | Lewis et al. |
6116962 | September 12, 2000 | Laity |
6118379 | September 12, 2000 | Kodukula et al. |
6120318 | September 19, 2000 | Reed et al. |
6126610 | October 3, 2000 | Rich et al. |
6127929 | October 3, 2000 | Roz |
6133835 | October 17, 2000 | De Leeuw et al. |
6142822 | November 7, 2000 | Wu |
6152762 | November 28, 2000 | Marshall et al. |
6164551 | December 26, 2000 | Altwasser |
6174194 | January 16, 2001 | Bleicher et al. |
6217371 | April 17, 2001 | Wu |
6222908 | April 24, 2001 | Bartolutti et al. |
6222975 | April 24, 2001 | Gilbert et al. |
6224417 | May 1, 2001 | Belopolsky et al. |
6227911 | May 8, 2001 | Boutros et al. |
6232870 | May 15, 2001 | Garber et al. |
6234830 | May 22, 2001 | Ensz et al. |
6241550 | June 5, 2001 | Laity et al. |
6243654 | June 5, 2001 | Johnson et al. |
6256523 | July 3, 2001 | Diab et al. |
6280213 | August 28, 2001 | Tobler et al. |
6285293 | September 4, 2001 | German et al. |
6298255 | October 2, 2001 | Cordero et al. |
6319051 | November 20, 2001 | Chang et al. |
6319062 | November 20, 2001 | Ma et al. |
6325664 | December 4, 2001 | Someda et al. |
6330307 | December 11, 2001 | Bloch et al. |
6349228 | February 19, 2002 | Kiani et al. |
6350148 | February 26, 2002 | Bartolutti et al. |
6352446 | March 5, 2002 | Ezawa et al. |
6354884 | March 12, 2002 | Yeh et al. |
6368155 | April 9, 2002 | Bassler et al. |
6375362 | April 23, 2002 | Heiles et al. |
6377203 | April 23, 2002 | Doany |
6378111 | April 23, 2002 | Brenner et al. |
6402743 | June 11, 2002 | Orszulak et al. |
6409530 | June 25, 2002 | Zhao et al. |
6424263 | July 23, 2002 | Lee et al. |
6424315 | July 23, 2002 | Glenn et al. |
6424710 | July 23, 2002 | Bartolutti et al. |
6428361 | August 6, 2002 | Imschweiler et al. |
6431906 | August 13, 2002 | Belopolsky |
6439922 | August 27, 2002 | Laurer et al. |
6456768 | September 24, 2002 | Boncek et al. |
6457993 | October 1, 2002 | Espenshade |
6464533 | October 15, 2002 | Ma et al. |
6469404 | October 22, 2002 | Pohjola |
6478610 | November 12, 2002 | Zhou et al. |
6478611 | November 12, 2002 | Hyland |
6496113 | December 17, 2002 | Lee et al. |
6496382 | December 17, 2002 | Ferguson et al. |
6499861 | December 31, 2002 | German et al. |
6522308 | February 18, 2003 | Mathieu |
6522737 | February 18, 2003 | Bartolutti et al. |
6541756 | April 1, 2003 | Schulz et al. |
6543940 | April 8, 2003 | Chu |
6556761 | April 29, 2003 | Jennings et al. |
6574586 | June 3, 2003 | David et al. |
6577243 | June 10, 2003 | Dannenmann et al. |
6580086 | June 17, 2003 | Schulz et al. |
6618022 | September 9, 2003 | Harvey |
6655988 | December 2, 2003 | Simmons et al. |
6663417 | December 16, 2003 | Hung |
6684179 | January 27, 2004 | David |
6685701 | February 3, 2004 | Orszulak et al. |
6688908 | February 10, 2004 | Wallace |
6688910 | February 10, 2004 | Macauley |
6693513 | February 17, 2004 | Tuttle |
6696952 | February 24, 2004 | Zirbes |
6725177 | April 20, 2004 | David et al. |
6729910 | May 4, 2004 | Fuller |
6733186 | May 11, 2004 | Pfleger |
6750643 | June 15, 2004 | Hwang et al. |
6773298 | August 10, 2004 | Gutierrez et al. |
6773306 | August 10, 2004 | Plishner |
6784802 | August 31, 2004 | Stanescu |
6798956 | September 28, 2004 | Morrison |
6808116 | October 26, 2004 | Eslambolchi et al. |
6829427 | December 7, 2004 | Becker |
6831443 | December 14, 2004 | Liu |
6846115 | January 25, 2005 | Shang et al. |
6847856 | January 25, 2005 | Bohannon |
6857897 | February 22, 2005 | Conn |
6866424 | March 15, 2005 | Tanaka et al. |
6871156 | March 22, 2005 | Wallace et al. |
6881096 | April 19, 2005 | Brown et al. |
6888996 | May 3, 2005 | Hwang et al. |
6890197 | May 10, 2005 | Liebenow |
6896542 | May 24, 2005 | Chang |
6898368 | May 24, 2005 | Colombo et al. |
6900629 | May 31, 2005 | Hwang et al. |
6902433 | June 7, 2005 | Hashimoto et al. |
6910917 | June 28, 2005 | Chen |
6913481 | July 5, 2005 | Marshall et al. |
6915050 | July 5, 2005 | Koyasu et al. |
6917763 | July 12, 2005 | Au et al. |
6921284 | July 26, 2005 | Sirichai et al. |
6923689 | August 2, 2005 | Xue et al. |
6924781 | August 2, 2005 | Gelbman |
6924997 | August 2, 2005 | Chen et al. |
6961675 | November 1, 2005 | David |
6968994 | November 29, 2005 | Ashwood Smith |
6971895 | December 6, 2005 | Sago et al. |
6973243 | December 6, 2005 | Koyasu et al. |
6975242 | December 13, 2005 | Dannenmann et al. |
6979223 | December 27, 2005 | Chen |
6992567 | January 31, 2006 | Cole et al. |
6999028 | February 14, 2006 | Egbert |
7014100 | March 21, 2006 | Zierolf |
7014500 | March 21, 2006 | Belesimo |
7016726 | March 21, 2006 | Picardo et al. |
7018242 | March 28, 2006 | Brown et al. |
7024089 | April 4, 2006 | Weinert et al. |
7027704 | April 11, 2006 | Frohlich et al. |
7028087 | April 11, 2006 | Caveney |
7028202 | April 11, 2006 | Long et al. |
7038135 | May 2, 2006 | Chan et al. |
7044949 | May 16, 2006 | Orszulak et al. |
7046899 | May 16, 2006 | Colombo et al. |
7062139 | June 13, 2006 | Shang |
7068912 | June 27, 2006 | Becker |
7069345 | June 27, 2006 | Shteyn |
7080945 | July 25, 2006 | Colombo et al. |
7081808 | July 25, 2006 | Colombo et al. |
7096077 | August 22, 2006 | Price et al. |
7102520 | September 5, 2006 | Liu et al. |
7123810 | October 17, 2006 | Parrish |
7132641 | November 7, 2006 | Schulz et al. |
7140782 | November 28, 2006 | Frohlich et al. |
7151455 | December 19, 2006 | Lindsay et al. |
7158031 | January 2, 2007 | Tuttle |
7158033 | January 2, 2007 | Forster |
7160143 | January 9, 2007 | David et al. |
7165728 | January 23, 2007 | Durrant et al. |
7168975 | January 30, 2007 | Kuo |
7170393 | January 30, 2007 | Martin |
7173345 | February 6, 2007 | Brandt et al. |
7193422 | March 20, 2007 | Velleca et al. |
7194180 | March 20, 2007 | Becker |
7205898 | April 17, 2007 | Dixon et al. |
7207846 | April 24, 2007 | Caveney et al. |
7210858 | May 1, 2007 | Sago et al. |
7217152 | May 15, 2007 | Xin et al. |
7221277 | May 22, 2007 | Caron et al. |
7221284 | May 22, 2007 | Scherer et al. |
7224278 | May 29, 2007 | Phaneuf et al. |
7224280 | May 29, 2007 | Ferguson et al. |
7226217 | June 5, 2007 | Benton et al. |
7233250 | June 19, 2007 | Forster |
7234944 | June 26, 2007 | Nordin et al. |
7243837 | July 17, 2007 | Durrant et al. |
7247046 | July 24, 2007 | Wu |
7252538 | August 7, 2007 | Garrett et al. |
7253735 | August 7, 2007 | Gengel et al. |
7265674 | September 4, 2007 | Tuttle |
7275970 | October 2, 2007 | Hoshina |
7285007 | October 23, 2007 | Barna |
7294786 | November 13, 2007 | Aldereguia et al. |
7297018 | November 20, 2007 | Caveney et al. |
7297028 | November 20, 2007 | Daikuhara et al. |
7298266 | November 20, 2007 | Forster |
7298330 | November 20, 2007 | Forster |
7298946 | November 20, 2007 | Mueller |
7306489 | December 11, 2007 | Werthman et al. |
7307408 | December 11, 2007 | Porcu et al. |
7318744 | January 15, 2008 | Kuo |
7319397 | January 15, 2008 | Chung et al. |
7327278 | February 5, 2008 | Dannenmann et al. |
7336883 | February 26, 2008 | Scholtz |
7349605 | March 25, 2008 | Noonan et al. |
7352285 | April 1, 2008 | Sakama et al. |
7352289 | April 1, 2008 | Harris |
7354298 | April 8, 2008 | James |
7356208 | April 8, 2008 | Becker |
7411500 | August 12, 2008 | Hamerly et al. |
7468669 | December 23, 2008 | Beck et al. |
7504945 | March 17, 2009 | Cox et al. |
7757936 | July 20, 2010 | Aguren et al. |
7772975 | August 10, 2010 | Downie et al. |
7782202 | August 24, 2010 | Downie et al. |
20010008390 | July 19, 2001 | Berquist et al. |
20010027055 | October 4, 2001 | Laity et al. |
20010039140 | November 8, 2001 | Fasold et al. |
20020071394 | June 13, 2002 | Koziy et al. |
20020086584 | July 4, 2002 | Liu |
20020090858 | July 11, 2002 | Caveney |
20020092347 | July 18, 2002 | Niekerk et al. |
20030021580 | January 30, 2003 | Matthews |
20030061393 | March 27, 2003 | Steegmans et al. |
20030100217 | May 29, 2003 | Wu |
20030100218 | May 29, 2003 | Tsai et al. |
20030148654 | August 7, 2003 | Kan |
20030154273 | August 14, 2003 | Caveney |
20030154276 | August 14, 2003 | Caveney |
20030162414 | August 28, 2003 | Schulz et al. |
20030211782 | November 13, 2003 | Esparaz et al. |
20040041714 | March 4, 2004 | Forster |
20040052471 | March 18, 2004 | Colombo et al. |
20040114879 | June 17, 2004 | Hiereth et al. |
20040117515 | June 17, 2004 | Sago et al. |
20040123998 | July 1, 2004 | Berglund et al. |
20040149736 | August 5, 2004 | Clothier |
20040184747 | September 23, 2004 | Koyasu et al. |
20040253874 | December 16, 2004 | Plishner |
20050032415 | February 10, 2005 | Sakamoto |
20050052174 | March 10, 2005 | Angelo et al. |
20050052287 | March 10, 2005 | Whitesmith et al. |
20050068179 | March 31, 2005 | Roesner |
20050076982 | April 14, 2005 | Metcalf et al. |
20050093677 | May 5, 2005 | Forster et al. |
20050111491 | May 26, 2005 | Caveney |
20050215119 | September 29, 2005 | Kaneko |
20050224585 | October 13, 2005 | Durrant et al. |
20050231325 | October 20, 2005 | Durrant et al. |
20050232636 | October 20, 2005 | Durrant et al. |
20050259930 | November 24, 2005 | Elkins, II et al. |
20050260884 | November 24, 2005 | Yueh |
20050280511 | December 22, 2005 | Yokoyama et al. |
20060039136 | February 23, 2006 | Probasco et al. |
20060042984 | March 2, 2006 | Suzuki |
20060044148 | March 2, 2006 | Daniels et al. |
20060091207 | May 4, 2006 | Chang |
20060148279 | July 6, 2006 | German et al. |
20060153517 | July 13, 2006 | Reagan et al. |
20060166546 | July 27, 2006 | Ashizawa et al. |
20060206246 | September 14, 2006 | Walker |
20060232419 | October 19, 2006 | Tomioka et al. |
20060233506 | October 19, 2006 | Noonan et al. |
20060257092 | November 16, 2006 | Lu et al. |
20060267778 | November 30, 2006 | Gengel et al. |
20060275007 | December 7, 2006 | Livingston et al. |
20060282529 | December 14, 2006 | Nordin |
20060286856 | December 21, 2006 | Sakamoto |
20060292311 | December 28, 2006 | Kilburn et al. |
20070013487 | January 18, 2007 | Scholtz et al. |
20070015410 | January 18, 2007 | Siemon et al. |
20070023525 | February 1, 2007 | Son et al. |
20070032124 | February 8, 2007 | Nordin et al. |
20070055470 | March 8, 2007 | Pietrzyk et al. |
20070059975 | March 15, 2007 | Walsh |
20070116411 | May 24, 2007 | Benton et al. |
20070117450 | May 24, 2007 | Truxes |
20070120684 | May 31, 2007 | Utaka et al. |
20070152828 | July 5, 2007 | Mohalik |
20070155223 | July 5, 2007 | Huang et al. |
20070176745 | August 2, 2007 | Gibson et al. |
20070196058 | August 23, 2007 | Lee et al. |
20070205897 | September 6, 2007 | Forster |
20070216534 | September 20, 2007 | Ferguson et al. |
20070236355 | October 11, 2007 | Flaster et al. |
20070238343 | October 11, 2007 | Velleca et al. |
20070241439 | October 18, 2007 | Chung et al. |
20070247284 | October 25, 2007 | Martin et al. |
20080003867 | January 3, 2008 | Wu |
20080021766 | January 24, 2008 | McElwaine et al. |
20080032546 | February 7, 2008 | Xuan et al. |
20080045075 | February 21, 2008 | Caveney et al. |
20080090451 | April 17, 2008 | Feldman |
20080100456 | May 1, 2008 | Downie et al. |
20080100467 | May 1, 2008 | Downie et al. |
20080106415 | May 8, 2008 | Sellew et al. |
20080139306 | June 12, 2008 | Lutnick et al. |
20080220721 | September 11, 2008 | Downie et al. |
20080240724 | October 2, 2008 | Aguren |
20090032577 | February 5, 2009 | Aguren et al. |
20090079544 | March 26, 2009 | Noble |
20090096581 | April 16, 2009 | Macauley et al. |
20090224039 | September 10, 2009 | Hause et al. |
20090240945 | September 24, 2009 | Aronson |
20090261955 | October 22, 2009 | Moore et al. |
20100080554 | April 1, 2010 | Aguren |
19841738 | March 2000 | DE |
19920452 | November 2000 | DE |
10244304 | March 2004 | DE |
10249414 | May 2004 | DE |
102006030077 | January 2008 | DE |
1455550 | September 2004 | EP |
1696680 | August 2006 | EP |
2347508 | September 2000 | GB |
2371211 | July 2002 | GB |
03242795 | October 1991 | JP |
04039483 | February 1992 | JP |
04174406 | June 1992 | JP |
8191257 | July 1996 | JP |
2001069625 | March 2001 | JP |
2001099946 | April 2001 | JP |
2002264617 | September 2002 | JP |
2003148653 | May 2003 | JP |
2003172827 | June 2003 | JP |
2003229215 | August 2003 | JP |
2003284213 | October 2003 | JP |
2004038583 | February 2004 | JP |
2004039389 | February 2004 | JP |
2004142500 | May 2004 | JP |
2004152543 | May 2004 | JP |
2004245963 | September 2004 | JP |
2004247090 | September 2004 | JP |
2004247134 | September 2004 | JP |
2004264901 | September 2004 | JP |
2004265624 | September 2004 | JP |
2004265860 | September 2004 | JP |
2004265861 | September 2004 | JP |
2004266886 | September 2004 | JP |
2004317737 | November 2004 | JP |
2004349184 | December 2004 | JP |
2004361896 | December 2004 | JP |
2005018175 | January 2005 | JP |
2005033857 | February 2005 | JP |
2005050581 | February 2005 | JP |
2005084162 | March 2005 | JP |
2005086901 | March 2005 | JP |
2005087135 | April 2005 | JP |
2005092107 | April 2005 | JP |
2005134125 | May 2005 | JP |
2005216698 | August 2005 | JP |
2005234620 | September 2005 | JP |
2005302403 | October 2005 | JP |
2005315980 | November 2005 | JP |
2005339983 | December 2005 | JP |
2005341738 | December 2005 | JP |
2006054118 | February 2006 | JP |
2006101630 | April 2006 | JP |
2006245983 | September 2006 | JP |
2006279650 | October 2006 | JP |
2007087849 | April 2007 | JP |
2007088957 | April 2007 | JP |
2007158993 | June 2007 | JP |
2007189774 | July 2007 | JP |
2007221400 | August 2007 | JP |
03098175 | November 2003 | WO |
2004030154 | April 2004 | WO |
2004061511 | July 2004 | WO |
2005069203 | July 2005 | WO |
2006/063023 | June 2006 | WO |
2008000656 | January 2008 | WO |
2008/075123 | June 2008 | WO |
2008076235 | June 2008 | WO |
- Wilson, Brian et al., “Multiwavelength Optical Networking Management and Control,” Journal of Lightwave Technology, IEEE Dec. 1, 2000, vol. 18, No. 12, pp. 2038-2057.
- Japanese Office Action for patent application 2009-541316 mailed Jan. 10, 2012, 10 pages.
- Examination Report for European patent application 09740228.3-2415 mailed Mar. 13, 2012, 12 pages.
Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 9, 2008
Date of Patent: Sep 11, 2012
Patent Publication Number: 20090097846
Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC (Hickory, NC)
Inventors: David Robert Kozischek (Hickory, NC), John David Downie (Painted Post, NY), Leo Nederlof (Kapelle-Op-Den-Bos), James Scott Sutherland (Corning, NY), Mark Peter Taylor (Montour Falls, NY), Matthew Scott Whiting (Lawrenceville, PA), Richard Edward Wagner (Painted Post, NY)
Primary Examiner: Thomas Mullen
Attorney: Joseph M. Homa
Application Number: 12/248,374
International Classification: G08B 13/14 (20060101);